Since from everything a little remains,
why won't a little
of me remain? In the train
travelling north, in the ship,
in newspaper ads,
why not a little of me in London,
a little of me somewhere?
In a consonant?
In a well?

About “Residue (English Translation)”

Though this poem does not use the word “residue” once, the idea that everything leaves a trace even when gone is prevalent throughout. The turning point occurs when Andrade wonders why he cannot leave any trace of himself anywhere. The refrain is “…a little remained” (ficou um pouco), occurring once or twice every stanza. Contrary to the typical positive tone at everything leaving a trace of themselves, Andrade poses this idea in a negative tone, conveying his disgust in numerous ways. Arguably the most famous stanza regards his distaste for memories: